Jean Giraudoux used his zany comedy The Madwoman of Chaillot, written in 1943 and set in the late 1930s, to discuss the serious problems that he believed were facing his city. Aurélie, the main character, recalls her youth at the end of the 19th century.

Professor Emeritus of French David Edney’s translation of The Madwoman of Chaillot was performed at the Stratford Festival from Aug. 3 to Oct. 1, 2017.